Week Aweigh Cruises
5 or 6 day San Juan Islands Sailing Vacations
Set sail on your ultimate fully crewed, all-inclusive San Juan sailing vacation. The San Juans are world-class destination, considered by many to be the crown jewels of the Pacific Northwest. Only one thing could make them better: YOU!
Most sailing charters adhere to rigid schedules and itineraries. When you sail with us, YOU set the schedule! Want to set sail on a Friday? A Tuesday? A Sunday? No worries! Want to sail for six days but your travel plans only allow for five? No problem! Check your calendar and give us a call. We will usually be able to find dates to fulfill your wishes.
Also available: 3 or 4 day Weekdays Aweigh or Weekend Aweigh and 1 or 2 day Sailing Excursion Cruises
Enjoy a romantic Private Sailing Yacht Charter for two, Invite friends or family to join the fun, or Share-a-Cruise with friends you’ve yet to meet! Visit our Cruises page for details.
Call or text (253)381-3919 or email: info@nwsailing.com
The Ultimate Experience:
Six luxurious days sailing the San Juan Islands
Suggested Itinerary
Day One: Your San Juan Islands crewed boat vacation starts in Bellingham. Leaving Bellingham Bay, you’ll head up Hale Passage to make Sucia Island the first night’s destination. Along the way you’ll see Lummi Island to the west and the Lummi reservation to the east. Crossing Rosario Strait you’ll sail past Matia Island before reaching Sucia Island where we will set anchor in either Fossil Bay or Echo Bay.
Day Two: Sucia Island is a beautiful marine park featuring hiking and beachcombing. You can spend the morning exploring the marine life and natural sandstone formations. After leaving Sucia Island Diminuendo will travel Presidents Channel down the west coast of Orcas Island with Waldron Island to starboard. We’ll hop off the boat in scenic and historic Roche Harbor to shop for fresh, locally raised seafood; you can peruse the wares of local artists in this quaint town. Next, we’ll motor through Mosquito Pass to nearby Wescott Bay or tranquil Garrison Bay for the night.
Day Three: In the morning you’ll continue through Mosquito Pass into Haro Strait. Watch for orcas or Dall’s porpoises en route to Stuart Island via Boundary Pass! Prevost Harbor will be our overnight anchor destination. Visiting Stewart Island is like travelling back in time. There are great sights to see on Stuart Island, including the one room schoolhouse and the Turn Point Lighthouse. It is fun to explore the history of this wonderful island.
Day Four: We weigh anchor and set sail past Spieden Island where you are likely to see herds of exotic animals that roam the savanna-like west side of the island. You’ll continue down San Juan Channel to Friday Harbor, the largest tourist attraction in the San Juan’s. Here Diminuendo will tie up dockside overnight. This is your chance to take advantage of any of the visitor related activities and to enjoy dinner at your leisure at one of the many fine restaurants available in Friday Harbor.
Day Five: Depart Friday Harbor and head to Cypress Island for your last night aboard. This island has the most natural and rugged feel of all the islands, featuring forested hiking trails.
Day Six: Relax and enjoy your cruise back to the dock in Bellingham, WA. As Captain Ron always like to say, “unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.” We hope that this past week has proven to be memorable and unforgettable!
Five days sailing the San Juan Islands
Your 5 day adventure includes all of the most popular destinations of a 6 day charter with only a visit to Cypress Island omitted.
Alternative Itineraries
When you and your party book the entire boat for a private cruise charter, you have the added flexibility of fine tuning your crewed boat charter vacation six-day itinerary, creating a week tailored to your personal preferences. Some variations on your private charter cruise could include the following:
Lopez Island: We’d tie up at Lopez Island marina located in Fisherman’s Bay (tides permitting). Lopez Village is a short ½ mile walk. With its relatively flat terrain, Lopez Island is an excellent choice for bicycling and bikes are available for rent in town. Lopez also features golf, tennis, and kayaking. The Lopez Island Marina features laundry facilities, showers, a Jacuzzi, swimming pool and a restaurant. Moorage surcharge will be added. Bike rentals are not included, but we will be happy to make the reservations for you!
Orcas Island: We will dock at Rosario Resort on tranquil Cascade Bay, halfway up East Sound’s eastern shore on Orcas Island. The distant grandeur of the historic Moran Mansion guides boaters to Rosario as they enter East Sound. The marina offers over 36 slips, eight mooring buoys, safe anchorage and a warm welcome. The resort features a restaurant and a store. There is also an option for a spa day pass for an additional fee. Another option is to rent a car or van and as a group explore the island by road, including a trip up to the top of 2398’ Mt. Constitution.
An alternate last night anchoring choice, Lummi Island. The Bellingham Yacht Club maintains a private outstation on Lummi Island at Inati Bay. The anchorage is well sheltered from the prevailing winds and provides a great place to anchor. Crabbing is very popular in Inati Bay.
